I've said it before and I will continue to repeat it - recruitment drives can make or break seasons.
We've seen the Bulldogs transform from competition also-rans to Finals competitors mainly due to a season upon season recruitment drive.
Meanwhile the Tigers signed a host of players over the past three seasons and finished last on all three ocassions.
Today we're here to run a look over nine of the 17 NRL teams and their recruitment decisions for 2025.
Some teams will attract average grades due to a lack of activity. Keep in mind that not all teams need to go out and sign five quality players.
That said, below are recruitment grades for the first nine teams heading into 2025:
In: Tanah Boyd, Kahu Capper, Erin Clark, Jett Cleary, James Fisher-Harris, Kalani Going, Samuel Healey
Out: Addin Fonua-Blake, Shaun Johnson, Marcelo Montoya, Jazz Tevaga, Setu Tu
Re-signed: Mitchell Barnett, Rocco Berry, Wayde Egan, Jackson Ford, Tohu Harris, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Jacob Laban, Ali Leiataua, Freddy Lussick, Zyon Maiu'u, Luke Metcalf, Taine Tuaupiki, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
James Fisher-Harris is one of the only men who could replace Addin Fonua-Blake. The Warriors turned a potentially horror situation into a positive one.
Erin Clark is a brilliant pickup. Sam Healey is a freakish talent and as a Sharks fan I am filthy he was allowed to walk away.
AFB is a huge loss and there's no papering over that. Shaun Johnson had seen better days but is still magic on his day. Montoya and Tevaga can be replaced from within.
The Warriors went on a re-signing spree and have nailed down a host of talent.
Mitch Barnett is now a rep star, Wayde Egan is set to become a top quality number nine, Ali Leiataua is a brilliant prospect and Luke Metcalf is going to be special.
The Warriors had a horror campaign. I'm not sure they're that much better heading into 2025 but I'll lean ever so slightly positive.
Grading: C+
